Annual conglomeration of parallel film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences organized jointly in mid-March in Austin
General Information
Head south on Congress Ave toward E 5th St
Overview
South by Southwest (SXSW), often called "South By," is one of the world's largest converged events, combining film and TV, interactive/tech, and music festivals and conferences into a single event held every March in downtown Austin. Launched in 1987 as a small music gathering, it has grown into a multi-track happening that draws filmmakers, tech innovators, musicians, and industry professionals from around the globe.
Popular Attractions and Activities
Music Showcases
Hundreds of artists perform across dozens of venues throughout downtown, with the Red River Cultural District serving as the heart of the live music programming.
- Official showcases spanning nearly every genre.
- Emerging artists performing alongside established acts.
- Late-night sets that spill out of clubs and onto the street.
Film & TV Screenings
The Film & TV Festival showcases features, shorts, documentaries, and episodic series, with juried awards presented at the close of the event. It's long been a launchpad for independent filmmakers and a testing ground for major studio releases.
- World premieres of feature films, shorts, and TV series.
- Conference panels, workshops, and mentor sessions with industry professionals.
- Juried competitions across narrative, documentary, and short-film categories.
Interactive and Tech Conference
The Interactive track brings together conference sessions, workshops, and expos covering technology, innovation, and digital culture.
- Keynote speakers and panels on emerging technology.
- Startup showcases and networking events.
- Hands-on demos and exhibits.
Free Events and Day Parties
Not every part of SXSW requires a badge. Free day parties, outdoor stages, and public showcases pop up around downtown throughout the event, giving visitors without credentials a taste of the festival.
Visitor Highlights
| Track | Description |
|---|---|
| Music | Live showcases across dozens of venues, centered on the Red River Cultural District. |
| Film & TV | Premieres, screenings, and juried awards for features, shorts, and episodic series. |
| Interactive | Conference sessions and expos covering technology, innovation, and digital culture. |
| Free Events | Day parties, outdoor stages, and public showcases open without a badge. |
Planning Your Visit
| Access Level | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Badge Holders | Full access to conference sessions, screenings, and showcases across the festival's tracks. |
| Wristbands and Day Passes | Limited access to select music showcases without a full badge. |
| No Credentials | Free day parties, outdoor performances, and public events are still open around downtown. |
| Weekdays vs. Weekend | Weekdays tend to be calmer; crowds build toward the festival's closing weekend. |
Because venues and formats can shift from year to year, check SXSW's official schedule shortly before your visit to confirm dates, locations, and badge requirements.
Why Visit SXSW?
- Catch world premieres of films, TV series, and music acts before they break out nationally.
- Explore three festivals in one, spanning film, technology, and music.
- Enjoy free programming through day parties and public showcases around downtown.
- Experience Austin at its liveliest, with the whole city plugged into the event.
This article is based on publicly available information about South by Southwest, as well as material from the Wikipedia article "South by Southwest", used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
